"We had more riders, of all ages, and kids riding in their parents' trailers, than ever before," an elated Nace said Sunday afternoon at Forsyth Park in Kingston, where the tour began at 9 a.m. and ended with a picnic.

The event, co-sponsored by the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County and the HealthAlliance Foundation, attracted close to 500 riders, the largest since its founding in 2006.

"The 25- and 50-mile rides start off at 9 a.m. and there were riders for blocks cycling along Lucas Avenue before the groups separated to follow their trails," he said.

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The 2013 tour featured six different bike routes, including the new 25-mile "Road and Rail Ride."

Nace said the 25- and 50-mile rides are intended for intermediate and experienced riders, while the 12- and 16-mile rides, which include the Hurley Rail Trail, are for both beginning and intermediate riders.

Nace said the 5-mile "Free Family Fun Ride," a flat, five-mile course that travels through Uptown and Midtown Kingston, picked up more riders this year, although he did not yet have exact numbers.

Nace said the new 25-mile "Road and Rail Ride" includes paved roads, the paved Hurley rail trail and an unpaved trail that passes through the Williams Lake area.

A "Bike Rodeo," for young riders ages 5 to 12, started at 10:30 a.m. and featured fun activities intended to teach youngsters basic bicycle safety and riding skills.

Even though every rider to whom the Freeman spoke was a dedicated rider, this was their first Tour de Kingston-Ulster.

Kristen Wilson of Kingston participated in the Family Fun Ride with her 14-month-old daughter, Alegra, tucked into the seat in front of her.

"It was a beautiful day for a ride and we had a great time," Wilson said.

Even though it was Wilson's first tour, she said she rides frequently and is a member of Bike-Friendly Kingston, which promotes biking and is raising funds for a pilot bike sharrow installation project on Broadway.

Wilson said sharrows are markings placed in the center of a travel lane to indicate to motorists that a bicyclist may use the full lane.

Karen Foster came all the way from Bethel, Conn., for the tour, with her 4¾-year-old daughter, Iris, riding in the trailer behind her.

"I was looking for a ride that Iris and could do by ourselves," Foster said. "Even though we usually bike as a family, my husband, Jason, and daughter, Logan, 10, stayed home this time," she said.

"We took the 10-mile ride and it was just great, just enough," Foster said.

For two experienced riders, however, cycling is more than just fun - it's a life saver.

Frank Beresheim of Saugerties, who rides every day, was volunteering on Sunday.

Demetrius Johnson of Kingston, a boxing coach for the Police Athletic League of Kingston, said he suffered a stroke six months ago.

"Today, I volunteered as a ride marshal for the Family Fun Ride," he said.

"I thought, being a boxing coach, I was in good shape," Johnson said. "But, you know, an ant can take down an elephant. Now, I'm in 'smarter' shape. I listen to what my body is telling me."

Nace, the administrative director of community and rehabilitation services for HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, said he founded the tour in 2006.

Asked about the rewards of the event, Nace joked, "Well, this T-shirt!"

Nace said the most apparent change this year is that the tour attracted more riders. The registration fees, in advance, were $25 for individuals and $40 for families with same-day registration $30 for individuals and $45 for families. The "Free Family Fun Ride" is free.

"Because the tour is bigger, we're able to offer more scholarships and get more young people out riding," Nace. "We've also gotten wonderful community support."

"This year's tour had something for everyone," said Tom Polk, board member and chairman of the YMCA Bicycling Committee.

He said the tour meets several of the Y's objectives: healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.

"I understand we live in troubled times," Nace said. "But, the tour reinforces for me what's really right about this area and the people who live here."